[Special] Interview With Eastern Sidekick, February 2014

It’s been a year since May 2013, but the strong impression remains. Having watched K-pop Night Out at Music Matters Live Singapore back then made RekON realize that there are many Korean musicians, non-idol group category, that deserve more attention. One of them is Eastern Sidekick. Contrary to the idol groups that are organized and adorable, Eastern Sidekick gives us more masculine and free spirited aura. But that’s the charm of this group.

The rock band was formed in 2009, but they officially debuted under Fluxus in 2010. Fluxus is also the home to Urban Zakapa and Clazziquai Project. In 2011, Eastern Sidekick received awards from EBS Space Hello Rookie (Audience Award) and Olleh Indie Award (Rookie of The Month).Since then, they started to perform on international festival stages. Last year, they finally got a chance to perform at the prestigious music festivals outside of Korea; Singapore and Japan.

RekON thinks early 2014 is the right time to have a chat with them. Starting from their experience of performing outside Korea, the latest album, dreams, frustrations over the Korean music industry to trivial things. All of them are discussed casually but honestly and of course, with their own unique styles.

* There are still two more members of the band; Joohwan (vocalist) and Myungchul (drummer). They didn’t introduce themselves, so let RekON introduce them to you.

How did you get into music scene and eventually met and formed ESK?

고한결: 취미 카피밴드에서 제 곡을 연주해 볼 수는 없었습니다. 일단 이스턴 사이드킥은 저와 고명철이 먼저 만나 나중에 합류한 다른 멤버들과 시작하게 되었습니다. 멤버들은 소개를 받거나 공연장에서 다른 밴드로 만났는데, 서로 마음에 들어서 모이게 된 것입니다.HK : I used to play in a tribute band/cover band for hobby but I couldn’t play my own music there. ESK was iniated by Myungchul and me then other members joined. I knew them when I met them at a live house and we felt connected and shared the same vision in music.

고명철: 한결이와 제가 2004년도에 만나서 처음에 취미로 하다가 군대 갔다와서 홍대에서 다른 음악하는 사람들을 만나 시작하게 되었습니다.엄한 집안 환경때문에 일종의 탈출구로 시작하게 되었고 처음 NIRVANA 와 METALLICA 등을 음악을 들으며 음악을 좋아하게 되었고 그 연장선상에서 고등학교 밴드 동아리에 들어가게 되었습니다.Myungchul [MC]: Hankyul and I first met in 2004 and both of us basically love playing music. After we finished our military service, we went to Hongdae, met other musicians and started our music career. Due to tough family condition, music became my escapism. Initially in high school, I liked listening to Nirvana and Metallica’s music and started to play their songs. Because of that, I formed a band.

배상환: 보컬 오주환의 소개로 만나게 되었습니다. 너바나Nirvana의 노래를 듣고 피가 끓어서 가만히 있을 수 없었습니다. 그래서 친구 따라 바로 기타를 배우러 갔는데, 그게 베이스기타였습니다.SH: I joined ESK because Joohwan introduced me to them. The first time I heard Nirvana song, I felt passionate. Since then I knew I had to do something in the music world.

What is the bittersweet of being a rock band in Korea, when people outside Korea know KPOP more than other genres of music?

고한결: 아무래도 한국에선 록 음악의 입지가 그다지 넓지 못한 것 같습니다. 기타 음악이 전반적으로 그렇지요. 형광색 옷을 입고 춤추는 애들이 그렇게 멋있는지 모르겠어요. 그래도 고충이라고 할 것까진 없어요.HK: I think the opportunity to be successful as a rock band in Korean music scene is relatively small, unlike other types of music. I don’t know whether wearing flashy clothes and being able to dance are considered as cool or not. But I personally have no desire to do so.

배상환: 다양성이 중요한데 너무 획일적이예요. 생소하더라도, 자신들과 맞지 않다 하더라도 밴드의 개성이나 보편적이지 않은 점들도 이해해 줬으면 합니다.SH : Diversity is important but I do not see it in KPOP. They are very identical. Sometimes, we need to try to explore different things, although it may not suit ourself and our tastes.

류인혁: 한국 역시 밴드보다 케이팝이 더 잘 알려져 있습니다. 음악에 집중하기 위한 환경이나 여건이 좋지 않은 상황입니다.IH : Compared to bands, indeed Korea is more famous with KPOP. But in music, if we are too focused on the environment or surrounding conditions only is also not a good thing.

오주환: 한국 방송에는 밴드가 나갈 만한 프로그램이 없습니다. 밴드 활동만으로도 생활하기가 솔직히 어렵고, 더 많은 사람들에게 밴드를 알리려면 있는 그대로의 모습보다 나름의 검열이 작용하는 것 같습니다.JH : In Korea, there is no TV program that just features only bands. Honestly, to live only from doing band is difficult. But I prefer to show my musical works to people rather than showing the difficulties.

고명철: 들어갈 수 있는 문이 한정적이고 좁습니다. 그 문조차도 요새는 상업적인 오디션 프로그램에 막혀 거의 닫혀 있습니다. 수많은 좋은 노래들을 가진 홍대 밴드가 좋은 음악을 만들어 놓고 대중에게 알려지지 못한채 묻히는 것 같습니다. 음원을 구매하지 않는 시장 자체도 큰 장애물이 되고, 현재 국내 음악 시장은 음악 자체보다 각종 보이는 것들과 결합되어 가고 있어서 더더욱 빛을 볼 수 없게 만드는 것 같습니다.MC : For a rock band, the windows of opportunity that can be entered are very limited and small. Opportunity to audition in a commercial program is almost closed. In my opinion, a lot of good songs from the musicians in Hongdae are not publicly known. Piracy is also one of the major obstacles. Plus, the local music market now looks more into other factors beyond the music itself, making quality songs is hard to shine.

[Behind The Scene-Eastern Sidekick’s Journey In Singapore]

If we are not mistaken, in 2013, was it the first time you performed outside Korea (Singapore and Japan). Have you ever thought that you guys would have this kind of opportunity? How did you feel about it?

배상환: 좋은 경험이었고, 아쉬움이 많이 남습니다. 좋은 기회였는데… 다시 기회가 온다면 최선을 다할 것입니다.SH: It’s a nice experience but I have many regrets. It’s a great opportunity but … if the opportunity comes again, I’ll do my best

고명철: 음악을 시작하고 이스턴 사이드킥을 시작하며 많은 분들이 도와주셨고, 해외 무대 또한 그에 대한 연장선이라 생각합니다. 감상이라고 하기 보다는 믿기 힘들고 기뻤죠.MC: There are a lot of people who helped me when I started doing music and started with ESK. I think we could perform in international stages because of them too. Rather than feel emotional, I find it unbelievable and I feel happy.

오주환: 기회는 언제든지 오는 것이라고 생각합니다. 우리가 얼만큼 준비가 잘 되어 있었는지는 모르겠지만, 보컬의 입장에서 보자면 다른 언어를 쓰는 사람들 앞에서 노래를 부른다는 것이 조금 부담스러웠습니다. 하지만 좋은 경험이었습니다.JH : I think opportunity could come anytime. It doesn’t matter how much preparation we have, we still can’t foresee whether we will succeed or not, but if I see from the vocalist’s point of view, singing songs in front of people who use a different language is really burdensome. But it was still a nice experience.

What kind of preparation that you did and what were your expectations when performing outside of Korea at that time? Are there any interesting stories during your performances in those countries?

고한결: 일본이요. 썸머소닉 페스티벌에서 연주하게 되었는데, 저희는 사실 실내 무대가 아니라 야외 무대였어요. 무지막지하게 더워서 대기할 때부터 얼음찜질하면서 기다렸어요. 무대가 끝나고 내려와서도 더위로 많이 고생했고요. 그리고 그 다음날 쇼핑하려고 막 거리를 돌아다니는데 어느 일본 분이 어제 공연 잘 봤다고, 같이 사진 찍을 수 있겠냐고 물어보셨는데 신기했어요.HK : In the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan, we performed on the outdoor stage. While we had to stand by for our stage, we were waiting with ice pack to cool our bodies off because the weather is very hot. After our perfomance done, it was even getting hotter. So suffering. The next day when we were shopping, we met with the Japanese who watched our performance on the previous day. They requested to take pictures with us. It was really fun

오주환: 특별히 준비한 건 없었어요. 평소대로 공연했습니다. 기대했던 건 또 다른 기회를 잡는 것이었고, 에피소드는 썸머소닉에 온 유명한 아티스트들을 아주 가까운 거리에서 보았던 점이 기억에 남습니다.JH : There wasn’t any special preparation. It was like any other show that we usually do. The moment that I remember was when I got to see very famous artists that also performed in Summer Sonic up close. I expected to get more opportunities like this.

고명철: 특별히 준비한 것은 없었고, 기대보다는 알려지지 않은 곳에서 공연을 한다는 것이 걱정되었습니다. 그래도 재밌는 공연이었습니다. 에피소드는 인혁이랑 주환이형이 술 취해서 싱가폴 거리를 미친듯이 뛰어다닌 정도?MC : We didn’t have any special preparation and instead of expecting it, we thought performing in unfamiliar places is nerve-wrecking. Nevertheless, it was fun. The episode I remember with Inhyuk and Juhwan was when we’re jumping around like crazy people in Singapore because we’re drunk.

You also released your third mini album “Hammer Lane” last September. Can you tell us a bit about this album? What is the difference from your previous albums?

고한결: EP로 4곡이 실려있는데, 곡 수가 적으니만큼 곡에 담긴 심상이 조금은 일치하는 부분이 있어요. ‘도시생활은 힘들다’ 정도로 요약할 수 있겠네요. 편곡적으로는 어떤 의도를 가지고 통일성 있는 곡을 만들어야겠다라는 의도는 없었어요. 다만 이빨과 땀의 경우에는 기존에 저희가 주로 사용했던 리프진행에 있어서 좀 더 다양한 구성을 만들려고 노력했습니다.HK : This EP contains 4 songs only. Due to low numbers, the conclusion can be drawn that there is always a topic on every song, which is “City Life is Difficult”. It wasn’t my intention to make the same theme when I make those songs. However, on ‘이빨과 땀’ (Teeth and Sweat), we use more progressive Riff than we usual do and try to create variation in the composition.

고명철: 이 부분은 한결이가 설명해야 하겠지만, 개인적으로는 좀 더 거친 사운드가 나온 것 같아 이전 앨범보다는 마음에 듭니다.MC : This part should have been explained by Hankyul, but I personally like this album better than the previous one since the sound is fiercer.

고한결: 이빨과 땀이 좋습니다. 연주할 때 제일 흥분되는 곡입니다.HK : I like ‘이빨과 땀’ (Teeth and Sweat). It is the song that makes me really excited when I play it.

오주환: 서울. 서울에 올라온 지방 사람을 잘 표현한 노래라서.JH : ‘서울’ (Seoul). This is a song that represents countryside people who come to Seoul.

[Eastern Sidekick – 이빨과 땀 MV]

Could you tell us the process in making this album? From creating a song and finally becoming an album.

고한결: 어느 정도의 보컬라인과 편곡적인 부분을 준비해서 합주를 시작합니다. 합주를 하면서 라인을 다듬고, 후렴구를 한 번 더 반복할지나 벌스 부분에 몇 번째에서 텀을 줄 것인가. 이런 부분을 신경쓰며 곡을 픽스하고, 주환이형이 어떻게 부를지 감을 잡을 수 있도록 합주를 많이 하지요. 공연에 실제로 올려보기도 하고요. 그리고 녹음실에 가서 이것저것 심벌이나 스네어, 기타, 이펙터를 바꿔 가며 톤을 정하고 녹음을 하지요.HK : When we have the material for a song, we prepare the vocals and the music arrangement and began to do the ensemble together. When making this ensemble, we reduce the lyrics that are not necessary. We then begin to determine the distribution of the chorus and verse. Here, the reparation needs to be done carefully and consider how Juhwan sings it. Therefore, the ensemble can be done many times. We also consider how the song will be played when during live performance. After that, we record the song while experimenting with cymbals or snare, plus guitar effect. We also decide the tone of the song.

Most of your songs are about daily life. But why there are no songs about love? Is there any special reason?

오주환: 단점이 없다는 게 장점 같습니다.JH : The good point is there’s no bad point in being good looking

Due to this predicate, it’s no surprise that you have lots of female fans. During your performance, have you ever spotted an attractive girl or your ideal type among the audience? What do you do when it happens? Does it affect you performance (like getting more excited)?

배상환: 다 임자 있더라(멤버들 안에서)SH : All the pretty girls are taken. (happened with other members too)*Why does it sound sad and funny at the same time 😀

Last but not least, have you ever heard about Indonesia or music scene in Indonesia? If you get a chance to be able to perform in Indonesia, what do you think?

배상환: 어디든 새로운 곳이면 감정도 새로이 돋아나는 것 같습니다. 그만큼 신나는 무대가 될 것 같습니다.SH: Every time I visit a new place wherever it is, I always feel the overwhelming fresh sensation. Therefore, the performance would be as fresh as my feeling.

고명철: 일본 후지TV에서 같이 촬영했던 팀(’Asia Versus’ is aired on Fuji TV and there were appeared various Indonesian bands such as Tokyo Lite, Pee Wee Gaskins, Kyla Pisita) 중에 있었던 것 같아요. 전체적으로 ‘많이 다르다’는 느낌은 없었던 것 같습니다. 공연 기회가 온다면 정말 좋겠습니다.MC : When we were participating in a Fuji TV program (Asia Versus), if I’m not mistaken, there were also Indonesian teams. Overall, I don’t feel Indonesian music is much different. If there’s a chance to perform there, we’ll be very happy.

오주환: 아직 음악은 들어본 적 없습니다. 해외 공연은 어디든지 반갑습니다.JH : I haven’t got the chance to listen. Wherever we go, it would be nice to meet you all.

류인혁: 스무살 때 자카르타에 가서 홈스테이를 했었는데, 왈디Waldi와 펠릭스Felix라는 친구들을 만나서 함께 음악을 듣고 같이 연주도 했었습니다. 그때 들었던 음악이 인도네시아 밴드의 노래였는데, 레게음악이었던 걸로 기억합니다. 영감을 받을 만큼 좋았습니다. 인도네시아에서 공연을 하게 된다면 영광입니다!IH : When I was 20, I came to Indonesia and had a homestay in Jakarta. I met friends named Waldi and Felix then we listened to and played Indonesian music. At that time, I listened to music from an Indonesian band and I remember that it was reggae. I got so much inspiration. I would feel honored if I can perform in Indonesia.

So that’s RekON’s chat with Eastern Sidekick. Who would want them to perform in Indonesia? Trust us, ONers must see their live performance and you’d be awestruck by their appearance. While waiting for a promoter or EO that would bring them here, follow their latest info and know them personally from their Twitter account.

Share this:

Like this:

Related

OWNERSHIP / KEPEMILIKAN

All the reports and blog posts are written based on the author's own experience, and the pictures are taken by authors of this blog, official photographers, or of contributors with permission to display them here. DO NOT REUSE/REPOST WITHOUT PERMISSION.

AN ONLINE MEDIA FOR CONCERTS AND RELATED EVENTS BY ASIAN STARS written in Indonesian and English
We're blue, yellow, green, grey, red and many other colours, but our love for music unites us. We love going to gigs and sharing the experience.
Contact us: contact@relawankonser.com